A Note on Purna-Kumbha
A Note on Purna-Kumbha

Summary/Abstract: Here is discussed the symbolism of a vessel full of water (Purna-Kumbha or ghata) in Sanskrit literature as mangala kalasa which is used in festive occasions such as Royal Consecration, Royal Procession, Marriage Ceremony, Child-birth and Departure for Journey and Inauguration of new House (Chapter I). The adjective kumbhaka (retention) appears as a technical term in breath-control (prāṇāyāma) together with recaka and Puraka, and further becomes imbued with an erotic tinge of retention of semen (bindu or bīja) (Chapter II). The Hindu ideology of “retention within” as superior to “expression without” is discussed in this connection (Chapter III).

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